Robbie Williams wants to examine the effects of fame on boy bands with a new documentary.
The Candy hitmaker, who found success as a member of Take That before launching a hugely successful solo career, is keen to lift the lid on what life is really like for groups in the spotlight.
Speaking to Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, he says: “If you run through every boy band and girl band that’s ever existed. With Take That, Gary Barlow leaves the band, his career’s supposed to do that and it didn’t. He suffered with bulimia, didn’t leave his house, went to sleep underneath his piano because he’d forgotten how to write songs. Incredibly depressed. Changed his name on his credit card because he didn’t want people to see Barlow.
“Howard Donald wanted to commit suicide after he left Take That. Mark Owen’s been to rehab and Jason Orange just can’t do it. And then there’s me, the mental health, the rehabs, the addiction, there’s all of that. So that’s what being in a boyband really does.”
Insisting Take That’s story is just one of many, he adds: “I’m sure that in 5 or 10 years’ time if you sit down with One Direction to a man, they’re all going to have their isms that have been caused by this machine.
“I want to do a documentary about it. Maybe we should do it together. About boybands and girl bands and what really happens. Why fame does that to you.”
Despite the challenges the group faced, Robbie has nothing but good things to say about their incredibly loyal fanbase, who have stuck by Take That in all its iterations.
“What I think it is, when a boy band or a girl band gets to a certain place or a certain stature, because there’s lots that fell by the wayside and can’t come back and, God bless them, for having that sort of being at the top of the mountain at such an early age and then they have to go away and figure out how to live,” he muses.
“But what I think it is with the Spice Girls, One Direction, Take That, NSYNC, New Kids on the Block, all of those people that reach that place, it’s their, the fans’ football team.”
Robbie recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his solo career with the release of ‘XXV’, featuring re-recorded orchestral versions of his biggest hits and personal favourite tracks.
The LP debuted at No. 1, giving the hitmaker a record 14th solo chart-topper, which saw Robbie surpasses Elvis Presley as the solo artist with the most UK No. 1 albums.
“Thank you to everyone who’s supported the album: everyone who’s bought it, streamed it, downloaded it and reviewed it,” he said in celebration of the milestone.
“I’m so pleased that it’s gone to No. 1, and whilst it feels strange to be receiving an award during these sombre times, I wanted to thank you all for your support and dedicate this to the fans, who I never take for granted. I really appreciate it, thank you so much.”
In a review of the album, Retro Pop said ‘XXV’ “marries Robbie’s classic sound with nuances found in his swing repertoire, celebrating the past 25 years and opening the door to the next era in his career.”
‘XXV’ is available now.
